Some researchers at OHSU, led by Lynn Jansen R.N., Ph.D., have just published a fascinating paper that examines why some cancer patients are overly optimistic when taking part in early stage clinical trials. (Sorry, a bit of research lingo here:clinical trials = health research in humans, early stage = the initial studies of a therapy in humans). Here is OHSU’s press release about the paper.

The science paper - a summary can be read here - explains that this overly optimistic attitude did not stem from misleading statements made by those conducting the research. It’s much more complex than that.

Here are a few comments from Dr. Jansen on the paper’s findings.

Because the informed consent process is the cornerstone of research – this is a fairly big deal.